Modular pillow

ABSTRACT

A modular pillow is disclosed, including a pillow case having an opening and a means for opening and/or closing the opening. The means for opening and/or closing includes a pillow case string. One or more cushions are sized and/or shaped to be inserted into the pillow case to produce a desired firmness, size, and/or shape for the pillow. At least one of the cushions is of a different firmness as another cushion of the group of cushions to be inserted into the pillow case. The pillow case and the cushions are configured to allow a user to customize the pillow in a convenient manner at any given time. The cushions have textured and/or adhesive surfaces to prevent slippage between cushions while inside the pillow case.

FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate generally pillows. In particular, embodiment of the invention are directed to modular pillow systems that provide customizable size and shape pillows.

BACKGROUND

A significant amount of attention has been focused on sleeping and in particular how sleep comfort affects a person's ability to get a good night's sleep. There is no common preferred sleep position or sleeping surface that will be equally comfortable to all in terms of how well they sleep. Rather, different people require different sleep surfaces and sleep positions to get a good night's rest.

Pillows are often used to support a part of a user's body during sleeping or resting. For example, pillows may be employed while sleeping on a bed to support a user's head, knees or legs. Use of an appropriate pillow for sleeping is critical for good health. An incorrectly sized or shaped pillow may cause or exacerbate headaches, neck pain, arm numbness, breathing problems and/or sneezing.

Pillows typically consist of a sealed fabric envelope having a soft stuffing or filling therein, such as down feathers or synthetic foam. The fabric envelope is typically covered with a pillowcase made of a cloth material. Traditional pillows generally take on an elliptical shape. Pillow manufacturers have offered traditional pillows with gusseted sides to add loft to the pillows in an effort to add support. Due to both the shape and fill in such pillows, they are less than ideal in providing proper support to a user's head, neck and/or shoulders during sleep. This can make for an uncomfortable night's sleep and may lead to physical problems such as neck and back pain, shoulder pain, headaches and general stiffness and tension in the neck and upper back areas. Traditional pillows do not offer varying support in different areas.

Some people prefer thick soft pillows. Others prefer relatively thin pillows. Others, who regularly switch between different sleeping positions, may desire to have pillows of differing thicknesses and levels of firmness readily available to accommodate two or more different sleeping positions. However, conventional pillows are not easily user adjustable. The fabric envelope is typically sealed such that a user may not access the filler material contained therein. Accordingly, a user of these pillows may need to purchase a new pillow if they change their sleeping position preference any time after a pillow purchase.

Various types of pillows have been produced that minimize or eliminate the problems associated with traditional pillows. Contoured pillows made of a foam material, such as polyurethane foam, also known as memory or support foam are known. While these pillows may offer sufficient support for the neck and shoulders, they tend to be too firm in the area where the user's head rests and are therefore uncomfortable while sleeping. Because these pillows are generally flat on the bottom and the contours are of different size, they cannot be flipped over or rotated and still maintain their intended purpose. These pillows are not customizable and do not account for variations in the anatomical characteristics or comfort preference of different users.

There is therefore a need for a pillow that, among other things, is modular and customizable and, for example, allows a user to increase or decrease the size of the pillow, and/or the softness of the pillow, and/or change the shape of the pillow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is disclosed further in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments provided herein relate to a modular pillow, comprising a pillow case having an opening and a plurality of cushions configured to be removably disposed within the pillow case. A firmness, thickness, and/or shape of the modular pillow is determined at least in part based on the number, size, shape, and/or firmness of each of the cushions of the plurality of cushions.

In one aspect, the means for opening and/or closing includes a pillow case string.

In one aspect, one or more cushions are sized and/or shaped to be inserted into the pillow case to produce a desired firmness, size, and/or shape for the pillow.

In one aspect, at least one of the cushions is of a different firmness as another cushion of the group of cushions to be inserted into the pillow case. The pillow case and the cushions are configured to allow a user to customize the pillow in a convenient manner at any given time.

In one aspect, the cushions have textured and/or adhesive surfaces to prevent slippage between cushions while inside the pillow case.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be clear to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pillow having a casing in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a detail view of a pillow having multiple cushions, inside the casing of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of cushions that can be customized to adjust the shape and softness of a pillow in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cushions of FIG. 4 after a modification has been made.

FIG. 6 is a front, perspective view of one embodiment of a pillow after the customization shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the device components have been represented Where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments described herein relate to a modular pillow system and methods associated with therewith. In one embodiment, a modular pillow system allows a user to change the size and/or softness of the pillow as desired at any given time. In some embodiments, a pillow case is configured to receive one or more inserts. The inserts can be of various thicknesses and materials to allow the user to customize the size, shape, and/or softness of the pillow. In one embodiment, the inserts are cushions having textures that reduce slippage between the cushions as placed within the pillow case. In one embodiment, at least some of the cushions are provided with a mild adhesive to prevent slippage.

Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one embodiment of a modular pillow 100 in accordance with the inventive systems and methods disclosed herein is shown. Pillow 100 can include pillow case 102, which is configured to receive one or more cushions 202. In one embodiment, pillow case 102 includes pillow case opening 204 that allows access to the inside of pillow case 102 for insertion or removal of cushions 202 into or from, respectively, pillow case 102. Pillow case 102 can be provided with pillow case string 104, which can be configured to allow convenient opening and/or closing of pillow case opening 204. Those skilled in the relevant technology will recognize that there are many ways to provide convenient access to the inside of pillow case 102. For example, in one embodiment, pillow case 102 can be provided with an opening that is open and/or closed with a zipper that attaches to pillow case 102. In another embodiment, pillow case 102 can be provided with a hook-and-loop fastener that lines pillow case opening 204.

Cushions 202 can each be made of a variety of materials, shapes, and/or sizes. For example, in certain embodiments cushions 202 can be made of foam, fabrics, textile fillings, and/or grains within a casing. The material of cushions 202 can be selected to achieve a desired softness or hardness of pillow 100.

Referencing FIG. 3 through FIG. 5 now, in one embodiment, pillow 100 includes pillow case 102, pillow case string 104, and five cushions 202A through 202E placed inside pillow 100. The number of cushions in this exemplary embodiment is for illustration purposes only. In other embodiments, the number of cushions can be from one to two, six, or ten, for example. The number of cushions determines, at least in part, the height of pillow 100. Each cushion 202A-202E can be of an uncovered material or can have its own casing. Additionally, each cushion 202A-202E can be selected for its own firmness or hardness to, thereby, achieve a desired overall softness/hardness of pillow 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, cushions 202A-202E can be configured to have a modularity that allows the separation and removal of one or more cushions from within pillow 100. In the example illustrated, cushions 202A and 202B can be separated from cushion 202C, thereby allowing the removal of cushion 202C from within pillow 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, after removal of cushion 202C, there remain cushions 202A, 202B, 202D, and 202E within pillow 100.

FIG. 6 shows pillow 100 as configured with cushions 202 (that is, 202A, 202B, 202D, and 202E) after pillow 100 has been customized by a user to include a smaller number of cushions 202, and thereby, change the shape, size, and/or firmness of pillow 100. Pillow case 102 is typically made of a supple material, and pillow case 102 can have pillow case opening 204. In one embodiment, pillow case string 104 is used to secure cushions 102 within pillow case 104. In one embodiment, cushions 202 are selected to extend along the entire length and width of pillow case 104. Cushions 202 can have different relative firmness and thickness. In particular, for example, cushion 202A can be relatively soft and thin while cushion 202D can be of medium firmness and thickness, and cushion 202E can be relatively firm and relatively thick. The firmness of the cushions 202 need not correspond with the thickness as described.

In one embodiment, one or more of cushions 202 can be ventilated with air circulation holes and/or inserts made of viscoelastic memory foam to provide the benefits associated with that material. Cushions 202 can also contain other materials to provide anti-bacterial, anti-odor, sleep inducing, curative, fragrant, meditative and/or off-gas inducing or inhibiting properties.

In some embodiments, cushions 202 are configured to be compatible with conventional pillowcases and accessories. In particular, cushions 202 can be configured to fit within conventional, readily available pillowcases such as Twin, Double, Queen, King, California King and other well-known bed size standards. In yet other embodiments, pillow case 104 can be made of an expandable material and/or shape to allow for use of a variety of shapes and sizes of cushions 202.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular pillow comprising: a pillow case having an opening; a plurality of cushions configured to be removably disposed within the pillow case; wherein a firmness, thickness, and/or shape of the modular pillow is determined at least in part based on the number, size, shape, and/or firmness of each of the cushions of the plurality of cushions.
 2. The modular pillow of claim 1, further comprising a pillow case string that facilitates the opening and/or closing of the opening of the pillow case.
 3. The modular pillow of claim 1, further comprising a means for opening and/or closing the pillow case opening.
 4. The modular pillow of claim 1, wherein each cushion of the plurality of cushions has the same firmness and/or thickness as the other cushions of the plurality of cushions.
 5. The modular pillow of claim 1, wherein at least one of the cushions of the plurality of cushion has a different firmness and/or thickness as the other cushions of the plurality of cushions.
 6. The modular pillow of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of cushions has a texture that prevents slippage between the at least one of the plurality of cushions and at least another cushion of the plurality of cushions.
 7. The modular pillow of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of cushions has a mild adhesive that prevents slippage between the at least one of the plurality of cushions and at least another cushion of the plurality of cushions.
 8. The modular pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow case is made of a size and/or a material that allows the pillow case to be expandable.
 9. The modular pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow case is sized according to a conventional size standard.
 10. The modular pillow of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of cushions is removable and/or replaceable by a user at any given time for immediate and convenient use.
 11. A method of manufacturing a modular pillow, the method comprising: providing a pillow case having an opening; providing a means for opening and closing the opening of the pillow case; and providing a plurality of cushions sized to be inserted into the pillow case.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein providing a means for opening and closing comprises providing a pillow case string.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein providing a plurality of cushions comprises providing each cushion of the plurality of cushions having a firmness and/or thickness that is the same as the firmness and/or thickness of each of the other cushions of the plurality of cushions.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein providing a plurality of cushions comprises providing at least one cushion of the plurality of cushions having a different firmness and/or thickness as each of the other cushions of the plurality of cushions.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein providing a plurality of cushions comprises providing at least one of the plurality of cushions having a texture that prevents slippage between the at least one of the plurality of cushions and at least another cushion of the plurality of cushions.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein providing a plurality of cushions comprises providing at least one of the plurality of cushions having a mild adhesive that prevents slippage between the at least one of the plurality of cushions and at least another cushion of the plurality of cushions.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein providing a pillow case comprises providing a pillow case made of a size and/or a material that allows the pillow case to be expandable.
 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising inserting the plurality of cushions into the pillow case
 19. A method of using a modular pillow, the method comprising: providing a pillow case having an opening and a means for opening and/or closing the opening; providing a plurality of cushions sized to be inserted into the pillow case; inserting the plurality of cushions into the pillow case; and closing the pillow case using the means for opening and/or closing the opening.
 20. The method of claim 19, the method further comprising changing the size, shape, and/or firmness of the modular pillow by removing at least one of the cushions of the plurality of cushions from within the pillow case. 